15 Aug 2018

Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund chief executive officer, Mr Michael Tlhagwane, says the increase in the number of road traffic accidents has negatively impacted the financial status of his organisation.

Mr Tlhagwane said about P180 million is spent annually on claims, the bulk of which goes to medical expenses, resulting in the fund experiencing negative finance results in 2017.

Speaking at the MVA Fund stakeholders’ meeting in Maun on August 13, he said 348 fatalities were recorded  in 2016 and 366 in 2017, most of which were attributed to driver behavioural aspects.

He thus called for collaborative efforts from all, adding that most risky behaviours are speeding, drunken driving, use of drugs and obstructed driving by use of mobile phones, all of which are avoidable through behavioural change.

Mr Tlhagwane revealed that a new strategy, Kgogamasigo, which would be launched in the fourth quarter of 2018, to improve service delivery, would run from 2018 to 2020.

He also revealed that a 13-episode television programme was on the pipeline as part of efforts to fight the road accident scourge.  

North West assistant district commissioner Mr Ramogaupi Goborekwe commended MVA for engaging the district stakeholders, adding that the new strategy should be unpacked for the people to appreciate.

Head of Ngami District Health Management Team, Dr Malebogo Pusoentsi said wellness of drivers and pedestrians were vital in fighting road traffic accidents. ENDS